ISHPEMING, MI - Joan P. Luoma, age 97, of Ishpeming, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her dear friend on Friday March 20, 2026, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility shortly after celebrating her 97th birthday.

Joan was a lifetime resident of Ishpeming, MI, where she married the “love of her life,” Marv Luoma. Together, they traveled the globe after retiring from teaching in the Ishpeming Public Schools. Joan was known for her many delicacies, which included pasties, her love of literature, and inspired many lives during her days as an educator.

Joan is survived by her “four girls”, Ellen Flack (Sonja and Shelby), Patti Small (Jacob), Terri Prudhomme (Zachary and Brittany Riggs), and Kristen Cassens (Madelyn); plus her great-grandchildren, Jeremy Riggs, Daphne Flack, Haku Chen and Rixon Eklof.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Clifford Perry; brother, Alan Perry; infant son, Keith Luoma; her granddaughter, Megan Small; and her husband, Marvin Luoma.

A memorial service will be held on Friday April 10, 2026, at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming. The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Pastor Vicky Prewitt will officiate. Immediately following the service, a small gathering will be held in the church fellowship hall. Joan will be laid to rest next to her parents and husband later in the year.

A full obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where friends and family are invited to leave notes of remembrance.